Socio-economic disparities amidst water crisis in Punjab
The decision of the Supreme Court in Maneka Gandhi Vs Union of India (1978) went to a great length to describe the true spirit and scope of the expression – “Right to Life” guaranteed by Article-21 of the Constitution. It made it amply clear that “Life” does not mean a mere act of breathing or being alive; it encompasses within its ambit, a wide variety of rights which, though not expressly mentioned in constitution, still form the foundation of a dignified human existence. Despite this broadened scope of application, it is nothing short of astonishment to see the “Right to Water” going for a toss in various parts of the country especially Punjab.
In stark contrast to a stereotypical image of Punjab’s prosperous farms and overflowing tubewells, lies a gory tale of deprivation and gradual progression towards mass genocide of those who are not in position to “afford” filtered water. The presence of uranium in Punjab’s groundwater is not a hidden fact anymore and it warranted installation of a large number of ROs across the State especially in Malwa region (south-east Punjab and area between Sutlej and Yamuna rivers) to provide clean drinking water to common populace.